[ Note: This post appeared in the Lawrence Journal-World. I was asked to write it for the Faith Forum section. ]
What do you think is the most successful way to share your religious beliefs with strangers?
There are many popular methods for sharing one’s faith:
- The media blitz—radio, television, mailers.
- Street preaching and knocking on doors.
- The “big event” approach offers free pizza, awesome entertainment and (in small print) an evangelist.
- The “forced conversion” approach is still being used in places.
- And let’s not forget the “prophet of doom” approach: shouting thanks to God for “dead soldiers” and waving banners declaring what “God hates”.
But, the New Testament directs Christians to an incarnational approach. Absolutely, we must speak the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ. We are sadly deficient—indeed, unloving—if we fail to tell people what the Bible teaches about Jesus: “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
But, most of our instructions for sharing our faith are about living what we believe—“being” people worthy of Jesus’ name. Being the church of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). He said His followers were to “be” His witnesses—not just “do” witnessing (Acts 1:8).
The Apostle Paul taught us not only to “speak” but also to “pray” and “conduct ourselves with wisdom toward outsiders” (Colossians 4:4-6). He taught us to “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect” by “living sensibly, righteously and godly…zealous for good works” (Titus 2:9-15).
Is this the most successful way to share? Yes! Statistically, most Christians were converted through the words and life of a close friend or family member who authentically lived the life and patiently explained the truth.
This is the “incarnational” approach—not just talk, but living the authentic Christian life.
